Portfolio

Project mQ

This project aims to develop a cheap quadcopter which can be easily modified, used indoors, work with common hobby electronics components, and much more.

This project originated from the need for a cheap small rapid prototyping UAV system during R&D for flight computers & software.

There will be several configurations of this mQ for different budgets and applications.

The cheapest configuration which is intended for education, academics, and hobbyists will use an Arduino Nano and a PCB with a compatible header for the Arduino. The PCB will contain all the required electronics to enable the mQ to fly. The chassis will be 3D printed, additional sensors will not be included. (Approx $50).

The standard configuration will have an embedded MCU (ARM M4 STM32F4(100MHz)) on the PCB which is more powerful than an Arduino (Atmega328p(16MHz)). Several additional sensors such as GPS, Sonar & Bluetooth can be connected without issues with control system performance due to processing requirements. The chassis will be 3D printed still. There will be quad & hex options. (Approx $100).

The best configuration is intended for applications requiring full autonomy or professional R&D. It will come with a carbon fiber chassis to reduce weight. The electronics will be similar to the standard configuration but even faster processing capabilities (ARM M7 STM32F7(300MHz)). The propulsion system will be significantly more efficient and longer lasting thanks to Brushless DC motors, these will require additional Brushless DC motor controllers known as ESCs. Additional sensors such as GPS, Sonar & Bluetooth will be included. (Approx $300).